Lopung Is Dead! – Pangrok Sulap’s Inaugural Solo Exhibition, at A+ Works of Art, 4–27 Oct
Artist collective Pangrok Sulap’s first solo exhibition comprises recent and ongoing work. Expect woodcut print works with a DIY punk aesthetic and confrontations with socio-political issues — especially those pertaining to marginalised communities in Sabah. Their work Sabah Tanah Airku was censored last year, sparking a controversy in the local arts scene. It’ll be included in this exhibition.
Exhibition opening is Thurs, 4 Oct, 7pm.
More info here.
Wanita Umno and the Malay-language press: The double marginalisation of Malay women, at Malaysia Design Archive, 3 Oct, 8pm
What is the impact of Umno’s ownership of Malay-language newspapers during the 90s? How did it affect the careers of women journalists and portrayal of women in newspapers? What can we learn from this, and what is the importance of comprehensive rights-based media reform today? Sonia Randhawa’s talk is presented by Malaysia Design Archive and Sejarah Wanita. Admission is free.
More info here.
Art for Grabs + KL Alternative Bookfest 2018, at Publika, 5–7 Oct
Art for Grabs and KLAB team up again to present a large selection of booths selling creative goods, indie publishers, youth and children NGOs, book launches, forums on current affairs, and spoken word performances. I recommend The Politics of Being Glamourised (Sun 4pm), Where Have All Derhaka Gone? (Sun 5pm) and the finale: I’m Not The Only One, Youth Manifestos for a More Inclusive Malaysia (Sun 7pm).
While you’re here, check out The Cooler Lumpur Festival, which is also happening in Publika this weekend.
More info here. Poster artwork by Kahyan Lim.
The Cooler Lumpur Festival, at MAP Publika, 1–7 Oct
An annual festival of ideas, The Cooler Lumpur Festival expands its repertoire this year (although it looks like there are fewer invited speakers this year, and thankfully, none featuring Mahathir). Alongside talks, forums, workshops and discussions, they will also be launching an artisanal food market and an interactive VR tour. I’d recommend Building a New Southeast Asian Naratif, by currently embattled Singaporean academic PJ Thum; Forum Gagasan Seni Bina Melayu Baharu, and The Minority Report. Admission is a flat rate of RM10 for the entire festival, excluding workshops and special events.
While you’re here, check out Art For Grabs and KLAB, which is also happening in Publika this weekend.
See Cooler Lumpur’s full programme here.
Live Fact Presents Pitahati (with Bayangan), at Live Fact, 6 Oct, 8pm
This double bill features psychedelic prog-rock band Pitahati, and Malaysian singer-songwriter Bayangan. Pre-sale tickets are RM35 (RM40 at the door). Sounds like a good time to get my inebriated emo on. More info here.
A Very Indie Showcase : Last Logic x Tempered Mental, at The Bee, 5 Oct, 9pm
Seasoned alternative rockers Tempered Mental will be joined by alternative rock quartet LastLogic in the 7th edition of A Very Indie Showcase. Admission is RM20.
More info here.
The Frankie Sixes, at No Black Tie, 3 Oct, 9pm
Helmed by singer-songwriter Reza Salleh, The Frankie Sixes present a night of classic swing jazz tunes from the 1940s-50s. Catch this performance before the band heads to the Haeundae Jazz Festival in Korea later this month. Be prepared to dance! Admission is RM53.
More info here.
Southeast-Asian Rumble, at No Black Tie and Live Fact, 8–9 Oct, 9pm
Saxophone player Yong Yandsen, bass player Christian Meaas Svendsen, and drummer Paal Nilssen-Love have formed a new super trio — now touring Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Japan. Their KL shows are in No Black Tie and Live Fact. Expect high energy mania, improvisation, and more. Admission for Live Fact is RM35, and No Black Tie RM43 (with special appearance by Goh Lee Kwang).
8 Oct: No Black Tie listing.
9 Oct: Live Fact.
Yong Yandsen will also be performing in Soun(d)ance 17 with Chung Ping Wei (alto saxophone), and dancers Erik Elizondo (Mexico) and Dimitri Kalaitzidis (USA).
Freedom Film Fest 2018, at PJ Live Arts, 29 Sept – 6 Oct
The second week of Malaysia’s leading international human rights documentary film festival. FFF is always an excellent way to learn about the many different issues that affect us, through new and award-winning documentaries and Q&A sessions after screenings. This year’s theme is Mend The Gap (as in, no one should be left behind). It is crucial that the issues raised in this festival are supported, do make time to attend: a pass for each event is RM12 (purchase for RM10 online, RM6 concessions), and a festival pass is RM100.
More info here.
Bi+ch Perfect!, at Jenerator KL City Walk, 5 Oct, 8pm
A female centred comedy-and-song show that promises “a badass mix of women whose attitudes are as huge as their combined BMI stats”. The blurb is also quick to reassure that #welovec**kstoo. Smart casual dress code applies. Admission is RM60 (RM50 online), and for 18+ years above only. There are some hilarious comedians here, so if you’ve not caught their performances lately, and potentially politically incorrect comedy also appeals to you, check it out.
More info here.
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